South African batting great Hashim Amla believes that the relative inexperience of South Africa’s Test squad in Indian conditions could actually turn out to be their biggest strength. Rather than viewing it as a disadvantage, Amla feels that a team free from the ghosts of past failures might approach the challenge with a fresh and fearless mindset — something that could work in the Proteas’ favour.
India has historically been a tough destination for South African teams. Their only Test series win on Indian soil came back in 1999–00, when Hansie Cronje’s men stunned a Sachin Tendulkar-led side 2–0.
Since then, South Africa’s visits have largely ended in disappointment, with their last Test victory in India coming in Nagpur in 2010. But this time, the circumstances are notably different. Led by Temba Bavuma, the reigning World Test Championship winners head into the series with renewed belief and a young, hungry squad.
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Only five members of the current setup — Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Senuran Muthusamy, and Zubayr Hamza — were part of South Africa’s 2019 tour. For the rest, this will be their first taste of the unique challenges Indian pitches present.
For Hashim Amla, this clean slate is a golden opportunity. “The South African team has quite a few inexperienced guys who have come to India for the first time, and that might actually be an advantage,” Amla said during the SA20 India Day interactions. “They have less baggage from previous tours and come with fresh minds. That might work in South Africa’s favour.”
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As the Proteas prepare for yet another demanding subcontinental test, Amla’s positive outlook brings a refreshing twist to the narrative. With confidence drawn from their world title and a squad eager to prove itself, South Africa has a chance to rewrite its story in India — one driven not by the fear of spin or history, but by ambition and self-belief.
